Allan’s age won’t decide his fate

GERRARD OPEN TO GIVING KEEPER A NEW DEAL AT 39

STEVEN GERRARD insists Allan Mcgregor’s age won’t be a factor in deciding whether the Rangers No.1 gets a new contract at the end of the season.

But the Ibrox boss admitted he will have a heart to heart with his veteran keeper to gauge his thoughts on extending his stay well into his 40th year.

Gerrard is delighted with the form shown by Mcgregor, who turns 39 on January 31, and proved against Celtic last weekend that he has lost none of his ability to make match-winning saves.

An d w h i l e t h e ma n a g e r, who takes his team to Pittodrie tomorrow trying to extend their lead at the top of the table to a massive 22 points, would clearly like to keep the former Scotland keeper on board , he insi sts Mcgregor will have a big say on whether that happens. Gerrard said: “Allan’s situation is a bit different than most because of his age but the club wants to be very respectful to him.

“It will be a case of what Allan wants to do, so at the right time I’ll sit down with Allan and we’ll speak to the people who represent him and have an open discussion on that one.

“But we’re really pleased ed with his form. It won’t be e a case of judging him on his age, it will be a case of what Allan wants in terms of his own future.”

Gerrard is already on n record as saying he wants nts Finnish star Glen Kamara on a new improved deal and yesterday he insisted defender Leon Balogun (inset), out of contract in the summer, is another he wants to remain at Rangers long term.

He added: “Leon is someone we want to keep hold of. He knows that, he is performing ever so well.

He signed a contract with an option of an extension and we want him to be here beyond this season.”

Rangers will travel to Pittodrie without a trio of first team regulars as Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe are injured. Gerrard said: “Scott is about to come o out of a boot that he’s bee been in since the injury.

“He’s got an ankle ligament injury which is quite a significant. He’s progressing well but y ou are l o oking at probably the end of the month all being well. “Ryan “has been outside and had two or three sessions and is progressing extremely well, he should be back with the team in the middle of next week.

“Kemar won’t be with us at the weekend. He picked up an injury in the Old Firm. I predict he could miss a couple of games.”